News

Budding scientist bound for Canberra

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 06:54:00

While most teenagers are enjoying their time away from school, one St Joseph’s College student is spending the holidays at university immersed in science.

Alan Joseph, 17, is among 400 young people attending the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra this month.
The 12-day program aims to nurture and encourage young Australians to become the next generation of leading scientists and engineers.
The students, who are entering their final year of high school, will experience cutting edge research and development, meet researchers and practitioners, and explore opportunities for tertiary study and a career in science.
Alan said it was also an opportunity to meet like-minded students, who would become lifelong friends and important contacts in the future.
“Past attendees have said it was one of the best things they could have done for themselves and their career,” he said.
“I want to get a wider understanding of all science, technology, engineering and maths subjects and career options that will benefit myself, my family and my community.”
Alan said he was influenced by the world and people around him to pursue a career in science.
His family immigrated to Australia from India in 2010, as his mother wanted Alan, his brother Alfred and sister Anna to have a better education and career opportunities.
They moved to Robinvale first, as his mum was sponsored to work at the hospital, and later settled in Mildura.
Alan said he always wanted to be an engineer, but his mother’s work as a nurse and encouragement from his teachers at St Joseph’s College motivated him to pursue a career in the health sciences.
“Her stories from working in the hospital influenced me to do something to help others who aren’t as fortunate,” he said.
“What I’ve found out so far has given me an idea of the sort of impact I could have on smaller communities, especially rural areas that need a lot of help.
“Hopefully I can do something in medicine, whether that’s being a doctor, working in neurology or cardiology, or if I want to go into research I could do something in robotics and stem cells.
“There’s all these possibilities, but some that will have a huge impact on the community.”
Alan has been sponsored by Rotary Deakin Club Mildura to attend the NYSF.